The directive, which aims to reduce distractions in class, will apply to public elementary and secondary schools, but it offers teachers flexibility to allow certain exceptions.
Education Minister Bernard Drainville's office confirmed the decision via an emailed statement, saying the new schedule will be announced at a later date.
A union representing 35,000 school support workers says more than half of its members are having trouble paying their bills, according to a new survey,
Bernard Drainville said he objects to mixed-gender bathrooms on the basis of privacy, adding that boys could tease girls who are going through puberty.